discovers that O-lan has stolen jewels from the rich man's house in the city, he is adament that the jewels be "put into land this very day."  However, it saddens O-lan to part with the precious gems, so Wang Lung feels compassion for her and allows her to keep two pearls.

Then Wang Lung, without comprehending it, looked for an instant into the heart of this dull and faithful creature, who had labored all her life at some task at which she won no reward and who in the great house had seen others wearing jewels which she never even felt in her hand once.

Later in the story, Wang Lung ceases to truly care for his wife and eventually takes the pearls, which she has treasured, from her.  The pearls are a symbol for their relationship; Wang Lung gives a part of himself to his wife, but eventually takes himself from her (loves others and doesn't care for her).  O-lan treasures the pearls, just as she treasured her husband.  In both cases, she is powerless against her loss.

The House of Hwang represents temptation and evil.  As Wang Lung attempts to obtain for himself all of the luxuries he associates with the House of Hwang, his life becomes filled with material possessions and he loses sight of its true meaning.  Wang Lung turns away things he should value most, such as O-lan; as he grows old, however, he realizes that the temptations of the "Great House" were valueless.

Wang Lung's mentally disabled daughter, the "fool," is a symbol of happiness.  She wants nothing except what she must have to survive, yet she is truly happy.  The child is content with a full belly and a patch of sunshine in which to rest and warm herself.  Her contentment with simplicity stands in sharp contrast to Wang Lung's attempts to procure material wealth.